Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs

Bordetella vaccine for dogs

You love your dog. And whether they’re a social butterfly at the dog park or more of a “couch-and-cuddles” companion, you always want to protect them. That’s why vaccines come up often in vet visits — especially the Bordetella vaccine, also known as the kennel cough vaccine.

If you’ve ever booked dog daycare, grooming, obedience training, or boarding, chances are someone asked:

“Is your dog up to date on Bordetella?”

Many pet parents pause. Is it necessary? Is kennel cough dangerous? And do all dogs need this vaccine?

Let’s break it down in a warm, calm, and reassuring way so you can feel confident about your dog’s health and choices you make for them.

What Is Bordetella — and Why It Matters

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that contributes to kennel cough, a contagious respiratory illness similar to the “common cold” in dogs.

Dogs catch it the way humans catch colds — through:

Coughing and sneezing exposure
Shared water bowls
Nose-to-nose greetings
Contaminated environments

Dogs with Bordetella often develop:

A honking, goose-like cough
Gagging or retching
Nasal discharge
Sneezing
Mild fever

While many cases are mild, kennel cough can become serious in:

Puppies
Senior dogs
Dogs with chronic illness
Dogs with weak immune systems

So, is kennel cough dangerous? Usually not for healthy dogs — but it can be, and it can spread fast.

For more preventive care guidance, see our article “Protect Their First Wag: A New Owner’s Guide to Puppy Vaccines.”

What Does the Bordetella Vaccine Do?

The vaccine trains your dog’s immune system to recognize and fight the Bordetella bacteria before it causes illness.

The vaccine may be given as:

Injection
Nasal spray
Oral dose

Each method primes your dog’s immune system slightly differently, but the goal is the same: reduce infection risk and severity.

Does it prevent all kennel cough?

Not completely — just like human flu shots. But it dramatically lowers severity and helps stop spread.

Does My Dog Really Need the Bordetella Vaccine?

It depends on lifestyle.

Recommended for dogs who:

Visit dog daycare
Board at kennels
Attend grooming salons
Go to obedience classes
Stay at dog hotels
Visit dog parks often
Travel frequently

Maybe not mandatory if your dog:

Stays home
Has limited contact with other dogs
Rarely visits public dog spaces

Even homebodies can get exposed — via shared yards, vet clinics, or visiting pets — but the risk is much lower.

Tip: Ask your groomer or daycare if they require it. Most do.

When Should Dogs Get the Bordetella Vaccine?

Life Stage	Suggested Schedule
Puppies	6–8 weeks old, then booster 2–4 weeks later
Adult Dogs	Once a year (most cases)
High-risk dogs	Every 6 months per vet recommendation

Important: Many facilities require the vaccine at least 48–72 hours before boarding or daycare to become effective.

Side Effects: What Pet Parents Should Expect

The vaccine is considered very safe.
A small number of dogs may experience:

Mild cough or sneezing
Low energy
Mild fever
Soft stool for one day

These usually fade within 24–48 hours.

Rarely, dogs can have:

Facial swelling
Persistent vomiting
Hives
Trouble breathing

Seek a vet immediately if severe reactions occur.

Can My Dog Get Kennel Cough Even If Vaccinated?

Yes — but symptoms are milder and recovery is faster.
Think of it like kids who still catch colds at school despite vaccines — just much less severe.

Vaccinated dogs recover in days, unvaccinated dogs may take weeks.

Bordetella Vaccine Cost

The Bordetella vaccine usually costs:

Location	Cost Range
Vet clinic	$20–$55
Vaccine clinic	$15–$40
Boarding facility add-on	$30–$60

Worth every penny for peace of mind — especially before travel seasons or holidays.

Risks of Skipping It

Skipping Bordetella increases risk of:

Kennel cough infection
Spreading illness to other dogs
Delayed boarding/grooming (no proof = no entry)

A dog with strong immunity and low exposure may go years without illness.
But for social dogs?

Think of this vaccine as a little umbrella — you don’t always need it, but when you do, you’re grateful.

Natural Support for Respiratory Health

The Bordetella vaccine protects, but good daily care also helps:

Balanced diet
Clean water bowls
Avoiding cigarette smoke
Regular vet exams

For recovery relief, some vets suggest humidifiers, rest, and warm air (like bathroom steam) — simple comforts that soothe irritated throats.

Read our health article “How to Boost Gut Health for Dogs After Antibiotics or Illness.”

Real-Life Story: Daisy at Doggy Daycare

Daisy, a sweet yellow Lab, had never been vaccinated for Bordetella. Her owners assumed she wouldn’t need it — until she joined dog daycare.

Within a week, Daisy was coughing so hard she gagged. The diagnosis? Kennel cough.
It passed, but her owners now vaccinate yearly.

“We learned the hard way. Now we protect her — even if she only goes a few times a year.”

Sometimes real-life experiences teach us more than pamphlets ever could.

Final Thought: A Little Shot, A Lot of Protection